A major community initiative is set to bring festive cheer to thousands of children across Tameside this winter with the return of the highly anticipated Tameside Toy Appeal for 2025.
A Community Effort for a Brighter Christmas
With the festive season quickly approaching, Tameside Council and Action Together have renewed their powerful partnership. Their shared mission is simple yet vital: to ensure that no child or young person in the borough is left without the magic of a Christmas gift. The campaign is a direct response to the severe financial pressures many local families are enduring, where parents are often forced to make impossible decisions between essentials like heating their homes and putting food on the table.
The appeal officially calls upon the generosity of Tameside residents to donate new and unused toys and gifts, suitable for everyone from newborns to young adults up to the age of 18.
How and Where to Donate
The donation window is open for a limited time. Residents can contribute physical gifts from Monday, November 10, until Friday, December 12, 2025. A network of dedicated drop-off points has been established across the borough for convenience, including all local Tameside Libraries and Family Hubs. A complete and detailed list of all locations is available on the Action Together website.
For those who find it easier to contribute financially, a dedicated JustGiving page has been set up. Monetary donations offer flexibility, as the funds will be strategically used to purchase gifts for specific age groups where donated items are most needed. The final deadline for online financial contributions is Tuesday, December 23, 2025.
Local Leaders Champion the Cause
To mark the official launch of the appeal, senior figures from Tameside Council came together in a show of solidarity. Councillor Eleanor Wills, the Executive Leader of Tameside Council, expressed her profound faith in the community's spirit.
"Every year, the generosity of our residents amazes me," said Councillor Wills. "The Toy Appeal is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together as a community. If you’re able to donate, even a small gift can make a huge difference to a child’s Christmas."
She was joined by Councillor Teresa Smith, Executive Member for Children and Families, and the council's Chief Executive, Emma Alexander, all highlighting the critical importance of supporting struggling families during the winter months.
Every single gift donated, whether a physical toy or one purchased through a financial donation, will go directly to a local child living in a family experiencing financial hardship. The initiative represents a beacon of hope and a practical way for the community to spread kindness, ensuring that every child in Tameside can experience the excitement of Christmas morning.
